ABSTRACT
Traveling-wave problems arise in diverse physical situations, and corresponding mathematical representations of the source and load assemblies are needed. The following are among many that arise: routine transmission of signals over distances of many kilometers; routine movement of pulses within a printed circuit board a few centimeters square, or within an integrated circuit chip; and response of protective devices to lightning or other high-voltage surges. Reflected waves will result when a traveling-wave pair reaches the end of a uniform section of lossless line unless the termination presents an impedance RT that is purely resistive and equal to the characteristic impedance of the line Z0=l/c. The ratio of the reflected voltage to the incident voltage at the termination is known as the reflection coefficient ρT. The Bergeron diagram provides a graphical solution for the resultant voltage and current following each reflection, and it will accommodate nonlinear resistive terminations.
